Monday, April 05, 2010

Still Rowing



Last night as I knelt in prayer and reflected with the Lord upon the day (being Easter) my mind reviewed the many references to the Saviors Atonement given in General Conference.    As I proffered my deep gratitude this post came to my mind. 

To recap, I had been going through a horrific struggle in my life.  A struggle that had taken a few precious years away from me.  I clearly remember the hopeless feeling I felt while on my knees and then crying myself to sleep.  I clearly remember the dream.  I clearly remember the feeling the next day as I was driving in my car and suddenly understood how the Atonement works. 

It’s been over three years since I’ve had that experience and as I contemplated it I realized that I still struggle against the things I struggled with then.  I still get that panicky feeling.  But I am still rowing. 

Only, I am not rowing alone; if so, I wouldn’t have made it this far. 

My little craft is like an acorn cap bobbing in the current of the Mighty Mississippi.  My oars are like toothpicks with which I am frantically paddling to navigate the currents and whitewater that constantly threatens to capsize me.  And I have been capsized.

But still, I have made progress.

Because each time I have been capsized, I have been scooped up, dried off and set back on course.  I have been guided on my way, pushed from behind, and in the worst of times, I have been picked up and carried in the palm of His hand.

I love Easter and the opportunity it affords to contemplate the great, eternal sacrifice of our Savior.  But I love even more that every day I can avail myself of that sacrifice.  Every day the Atonement is alive and working in my life. 

Every day is a new beginning.

3 comments:

Rebecca Blevins said...

Yes, it is.

Thank you for this. Things are getting better around here, but I still get overwhelmed by the daily challenges. Your referenced post was something I needed to read. Thank you!

Yvonne said...

Mindy--you are amazing.

Obeautifulmummers said...

I think along your mighty mississippi it is filled with other acorn cap boats rowing with toothpicks. Many will not see the progress because of either what is ahead or what is surrounding them but the journey up the river is an amazing feat. Keep rowing and I will too!
Hugs
C